Exposures to Occupational Hazards and Utilization of Personal Protective Measures among Health Care Providers working in Illubabor Zone Health Institutions, Oromia Region, South West Ethiopia

Background Workers around the world despite their vast differences in their physical, social, economic, and political environments they face almost the same kinds of workplace hazards. Healthcare facilities like other high-risk workplaces characterized by a high level of exposure to hazardous agents. However, efforts towards investigation of determinants of occupational hazard are minimal in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the level of exposures to occupational hazards and utilization of self-protective measures among health care workers in selected health institution, in Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional state of Ethiopia. Methods Across sectional study, design conducted among 432 health care workers by using multi stages sampling technique to get the study participants. Data is collected using pretested and structured questionnaire and observational checklist used to ascertain occupational injury status. Data was processed using Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 23 windows. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and then bivariate, multivariate association carried out. Binary logistic regression computed at 0.05 with an entry point of 0.25 to identify potential predictor variables. Results This study reveals from 386 responded giving a response rate of 89.3%. More than one third of respondents had experienced an occupational health hazard, mostly body and blood fluid (BBF) related exposure 40% (95% CI, 34.2%, 43.8%), and work related stress 69.4% (95% CI, 65.0, 73.8%), followed by needle stick injury 35.8% (95% CI, 31.1%, 40.4%), and work place violence 54% (95% CI, 41.2%, 51.0%). The likely predictors for both biological and non-biological hazards were they did not wear glove the last time they took a blood sample, they did not wash hands before examination, and reuse of syringe and needles. Conclusion There is a high proportion of exposure to blood and body fluids and work related stress among health care workers (HCWs) in the study area. In appropriate practices and measures that put HCWs at significant risk of acquiring occupational infections and long hours of work, increased workload, and work place violence that put HCWs at significant risk of work related stress were detected.